The UAE Embassy in Vienna participated at the traditional Austrian 1st of May Festival, hosted by the SOS Children’s Village in Hinterbuehl, Austria. Around 500 people from Austria, most of them families with children, participated in the 1st of May Festival, a day which symbolizes the beginning of spring.

At the occasion , UAE Embassy hosted a cultural event highlighted UAE traditions and included falconry show for the children in cooperation with the Adlerwarte Kreuzenstein. The show was opened by Ambassador Alkaabi, who described the Emirati tradition and the significance of breeding falcons in the United Arab Emirates over the history.

The UAE’s presence in this event falls in line with UAE Government initiatives to support societies and those who are less privileged. Ambassador Alkaabi announced during the festival a donation of 10.000 Euro to support the SOS Children’s Village for one year.

“It is an honor to have His Excellency, Ambassador Alkaabi, with us today and we are thankful for the support of the UAE Embassy”, said Alexander Mairginter of SOS children’s village, “The kids are fascinated by the traditional clothes; They love the dates, and the falcons flight show was an absolute highlight!”

Ambassador Alkaabi pointed out the importance of humanitarian and charity work. “I am impressed by the work of the SOS Children’s Village and their successful approach. UAE supports such noble efforts, which provide hope and well-being for neglected children from various regions.” “Families are coming together from different countries to share their food and stories, this family unity are deeply rooted in the UAE culture.”

This visit from UAE Embassy in Vienna comes in line of the “Year of Zayed” initiative, which has been declared by the UAE’s President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Ambassdor Allkaabi spoke about the life of Zayed and his noble values which are deeply rooted in the UAE people.

SOS Children’s Villages International is the global umbrella for the 117 national SOS Children’s Villages associations. The Organization, founded in Austria in 1949, is working to prevent family breakdown and protect and care for children who have lost parental care, or who risk losing it. The SOS Children’s Village Hinterbruhl is located close to Vienna, and is one of the biggest in Europe, with around 100 children from Austria, and children with refugee status, living there.